Hello,
For the past 13 years I have had disabilities that people can’t see, so they just assume that I am not sick or that I just don’t want to work. I found a web site that helps people like me - with health issues that are on the inside that are invisible to others. The website is: [Link Removed] There are people there that understand what you are going trhough and can help with your issues.  I am the Moderator for the Neurological Disorders, which you are  more than welcome to join. There are many other groups that will fit most any medical issue. Hope to see you there.

Mshamp, Your links have been removed, please consider upgrading to premium membership.

I was a teenage mother at age 17, and in an abusive relationship. I wanted to go to school to help with our family income, but he did not want any wife of his to go to college. So of course, I didn’t go, but I did file for divorce - moved in with my mother 40 miles away and signed up to go to college.  

I went to college and I received my degree to be a teacher, this had been my goal since I was a little girl. I eventually got married again, I had a small child to care for, and now a college life. I had to take the bus with my child to the daycare then get onto another bus to arrive at the college. Then of course, I had to do the reverse to get back home. This went on for 2 years, I wanted to be a teacher and I was going to do whatever it took to reach my goal.

It took me 7 years to attain my Bachelor Degree in Education with a minor in reading and Specific Learning Disabilities.

I am trying to teach my children that you can do whatever you want, and sometimes you need to make sacrifices to attain that goal.

Now, I am at home on disability due to multiple diagnosis‘.  I am not a teacher, a mentor, or an idividual who contributes to society in any way. I started volunteering at home, I went onto a website I found and I help others from my home when I have enough energy and/or when my pain level is tolerable.    

But, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher and I feel that I am cheated from that dream. I worked so hard to earn that piece of paper and the opportunity to educate children. I also had a dream to be a professor of education.  

I attained that dream, but due to my disability I had to stop teaching elementary and college classes. I am not sure if I will ever teach again, but I do have faith that I will be helping others that need me.  

Before I started getting really sick I signed up at a local college to earn my Doctorate Degree in Education, my ultimate goal, becoming a Professor, was getting closer and closer, and then ...... I became sick.

That is me, I’m sick, but no one can see it. I sure do feel it, I live it on a daily basis, it hurts that others don’t understand. I want to be Michelle, the educator of children and future teachers, but for tsome reason I am a disabled person with a plethera of diseases‘and issues that no one person should have.

I was a teacher, now what am I?